+1 on the most likely culprit.
Stropping does not repair small nicks in the edge, as stated wrongly earlier on. It rather causes scratches in the strop's surface, as you found out.
I expect that the vendor will not replace the blade. Don't hesitate taking Hi-bud-gl's offer. He comes highly recommended. Nun2Sharp is equally recommendable, so you have a luxury problem there :)
Best regards,
Bart.
(edit: I first missed reading the post where you announced the vendor is indeed replacing the razor. That really surprises me.)